The December 2021 edition of the RWFI E-Note Monthly, the newsletter of NETL’s Regional Workforce Initiative, details deadline extensions for funding opportunities to establish a network of university-based, regional electric power cybersecurity centers.

These centers are intended to address interrelated research and development challenges of cybersecurity and critical energy infrastructure and steps that need to be taken to build workforce expertise. The goal of this initiative is the creation of tools and training for the energy sector. The original deadline to engage with the University Based Cybersecurity Centers Program has been extended to Feb. 4, 2022.

This month’s newsletter also highlights funding opportunities from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that focuses on increasing and broadening the participation of underrepresented researchers.

In 2016, the NSF unveiled a set of “Big Ideas,” 10 bold, long-term research and process ideas that identify areas for future investment at the frontiers of science and engineering. The Big Ideas represent unique opportunities to position the nation at the cutting edge of global science and engineering leadership by bringing together diverse disciplinary perspectives to support convergence research. One of the Big Ideas is the Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) program.

INCLUDES is a comprehensive national initiative to enhance U.S. leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) discoveries and innovations focused on NSF’s commitment to inclusion and broadening participation in these fields. The program’s vision is to catalyze the STEM enterprise to work collaboratively for inclusive change, resulting in a workforce that reflects the diverse population of the nation. The deadline to submit INCLUDES proposals is Jan. 25, 2022.

The newsletter also highlights the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This competitive grant program is intended to promote and strengthen the ability of Hispanic-Serving Institutions to carry out higher education programs in the food and agricultural sciences. It aims to attract outstanding students and produce graduates capable of enhancing the nation’s food and agricultural scientific and professional workforce. Deadline for interested parties to submit proposals is Jan. 28, 2022.

Learn more about these and other exciting programs in the December edition of the RWFI E-Note Monthly.
 
Previous editions of RWFI E-Note Monthly can be found in the newsletter’s online archive. Click here for more information about the NETL Regional Workforce Initiative.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers technological solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.